Upset! Snooker World Open Results: Thaksin defeats O'Sullivan 10-7 to win championship & edges out Xiao Guodong

On March 22 Beijing time, the final of the Snooker Yushan World Open commenced. Ultimately, the two players engaged in a thrilling offensive battle. Thai star Thaksin, after unleashing full firepower in the latter stages, produced a 4-0 attacking surge to upset O'Sullivan 10-7, emerging as the dark horse champion. Moreover, by defeating Trump and O'Sullivan, the victory's prestige is maximized. This marks Thaksin's second ranking tournament title in his career, and he also secured a prize of £175,000!

O'Sullivan holds 41 ranking tournament titles and is ranked 12th in the world. His best ranking tournament result this season was runner-up. Arriving in Yushan, O'Sullivan displayed peak form, surviving a perilous semifinal where he narrowly defeated Chinese rising star Wu Yize 6-5 to advance to the final. Thaksin is ranked 39th globally, a seasoned veteran yet with relatively modest achievements, having only one ranking title previously. In this event, Thaksin revitalized his game, eliminating world number one Trump 6-4 in the semifinals to reach the final as the biggest dark horse. Looking ahead to this final, most favored O'Sullivan to win, but unexpectedly Thaksin claimed the title—a truly unforeseen outcome!

After the match began, O'Sullivan quickly found his rhythm, starting with a century break and a 70+ score to sweep the first four frames for a perfect opening. It seemed Thaksin might collapse, but instead he ignited an explosive mode, producing four 50+ breaks and staging a 6-0 offensive surge to reverse the deficit and lead 6-4. However, O'Sullivan soon regained momentum, delivering three consecutive century breaks to reclaim the lead at 7-6. Subsequently, O'Sullivan abruptly lost form, his touch cooling entirely, while Thaksin erupted with unstoppable accuracy, blasting three centuries and a 70+ break, all won in single visits, to upset O'Sullivan 10-7 and seize the championship. He also crafted a 147 maximum break, and Rocket O'Sullivan promptly congratulated him!

It must be said O'Sullivan's season is somewhat unfortunate: twice reaching finals yet finishing runner-up both times. This final even served as the backdrop for Thaksin's 147 maximum. Moreover, Thaksin's victory is thoroughly deserved—his form was exceptionally fierce, with astonishing accuracy in the latter frames. Congratulations to Thaksin for gaining fame and fortune, securing the hefty £175,000 prize. Additionally, since O'Sullivan skipped the Tour Championship, Thaksin edged out Xiao Guodong to clinch a last-minute ticket for the Tour Championship and also locked in a spot for the Champion of Champions!

Text/Sports Story Novel